Combined measuring and filling machine



m 1 3. w, m W um T, nlm) .w N O O l/- @Emu m u mln o o l S mmm, QM.. l QN m 5 n O O @Nl m o o Q m SSG n m m T.. G SQE L m mwN n A I m Uu I s w m m G E N M m g C D m m Y Filed July 15, 1948 zw@9 w49 Filed July 15, 1948 MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Dec.. 2U, 1949 c. G. MEYERS Erm. 4915826 COMBINED MEASURING AND FILLING MACHINE Filed July 15, 1948 5 She'ets-Sheet 3` De@ 2U, M949 c. GQMEYL-:Rs ETAL' COMBINED MEASURNG AND FILLING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July l5, 194B Dm if? E49 c. G. MENERS Erm.. 2,49%825 coNINND NENSURING AND FILLING MACHINE Filed July l5, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Dee. 20, 1949 OFFICE COMBINED MEASURING AND FILLING MACHINE Carl G. Meyers and Bertie S. Harrington, Chicago, lll., assignors to Armour 'and Company, Chicago, lll., a corporation of AIllinois- Appucauon July 15, 1948, 'serial No. 38,884

1 claims. (ci. 22e-esi The present invention relates generally to combined measuring and filling machines. More particularly the invention relates to that type of machine which serves, during operation thereof, to iill containers with measured charges or quantities of liquid material, such, for example, is congealable lard or vegetable oil shortening, and comprises as its main parts: (l) a frame type supporting structure having an elongated horizontal platform at the top thereof; (2) an endless power driven conveyor having one of its reaches resting on, and extending lengthwise of, the platform, and adapted to feed the containers; (3) a pair of laterally spaced depending nozzles over the platform supported reach on the conveyor; and (4) a device controlled by a twoposition valve mechanism and in the form of aV cylinder and floating piston for alternately delivering to the nozzles measured charges of the liquid material.

One object of the invention is to provide a combined measuring and filling machine of this type which is an improvement upon, and has certain advantages over, that which is disclosed in, and forms thel subject matter of, United States Patent'No. 1,700,494, dated January 29, 1929, and is essentially simpler so far as design is concerned, and more efiicient and positive in operation.

Another object ofthe invention is to provide a machine of the aforementioned type in which the discharge nozzles are stationary and the endless conveyor is in the form of a belt, is driven continuously and constantly for container feeding purposes, and has associated with the platform supported reach thereof automatic means for arresting or stopping the containers in such manner that there is an empty stationary container under each nozzle in connection with discharge of a measured charge of liquid material therefrom.

A further object of the invention is to provide a combined measuring and filling machine of the last mentioned character in which the means for arresting or stopping the containers so that ,there is an empty stationary container under each nozzle during discharge of material therefrom is automatically actuated and controlled by the two-position valve mechanism for the cylinder-floating piston device.

A stili further object of the invention is to provide a combined measuring and filling machine which is generally of new and improved construction and effectively and efficiently fullls its intended function.

Other objects of the invention and the various advantages and characteristics of the present machine will be apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description.

The invention consists in the several novel features which are hereinafter set forth and are more particularly defined by claims at the conclusion hereof.

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this speciiication or disclosure and in which like letters and numerals of reference den ote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure l is a fragmentary front elevation of a combined measuring and lling machine embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged end view;

Figure 3 is a plan view showing the .levers constituting the container arresting or stepping means in the position they assume when one of the nozzles is' operating to ll the subjacent container with a measured charge of liquid material;

Figure 4 is a plan view showing such levers in the position they assume when the other nozzle is operating to ll the subjacent container with a measured charge of material;

Figure 5 is an enlarged vertical transverse section on the line 5-5 of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is an enlarged vertical transverse section taken on the line 6--6 of Figure 1 and illustrating ,in detail the construction and design of the cylinder-floating piston device and the twoposition valve mechanism for controlling such device;

Figure "7 is a horizontal section on the line l-l of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a horizontal section on the line 8-8 of` Figure Y2; and

Figure 9 is a section of the D-valve forming a part of the mechanism for automatically shifting the two-position valve mechanism at the end of each stroke of the iloating piston of the cylinder-floating piston device.

The machine which is showr` in the drawings constitutes the preferred form or embodiment of the invention. It serves as a medium for automatically filling containers with measured charges or quantities of liquid material, such as congealable lard or vegetable oil shortening, and comprises an elongated supporting structure I0, an endless power driven belt Il for feeding containers to be filled,a pair of laterally spaced depending nozzles i2 and I 3, a cylinder-oating piston device Il for alternately delivering to the nozzles measured charges of liquid material, a unitary two-position valve mechanism for controlling the cylinder-floating piston device I4, mechanism for shifting the valve mechanism I5 at the end of each stroke of the floating piston of the device I4, and means for controlling feed of the containers by the endless belt so that there is an empty container under each nozzle in connection with discharge therefrom of a measured charge of liquid material.

The supporting structure Ill is in the form of a frame and embodies at the top thereof a narrow, horizontally extending, flat platform |.6. This platform is formed of sheet or plate metal and, as shown in Figure 5, has a depending flange I'l along the front margin thereof and a depending flange I8 along its rear margin. In addition to the platform I6 the supporting structure ID comprises a plurality of vertically extending angle bar type legs I9 for supporting the platform in an elevated position over the floor of the establishment in which the machine is used, and a plurality of longitudinally extending angle type braces 29 between the legs I9. The platform I6 serves to support the container feeding reach of the endless belt I| for longitudinal travel therealong and has associated therewith a front rail 2| and a rear rail 22. These two rails are disposed in parallel and laterally spaced relation and serve to prevent or limit sidewise displacement of the containers during travel on the container feeding reach ofthe belt II. The front rail 2| overlies the front margin of the platform I6 and is in the form of a channel bar. It is horizontally aligned with the rear rail 22 and is supported by way of a longitudinal series of laterally spaced posts 23. The lower ends of these posts are secured to the flange II along the front margin of the platform I6 and the upper ends of the posts are connected to the web portion of the front rail 2|. The rear rail 22 is formed of a channel bar and is supported by way `of a longitudinal series of vertically extending posts 24, the lower Lends of which are attached to the depending flange I8 along therear margin of the platform IB and the upper ends of which underlie and are fixedly connected to the web portion of the rear rail 22.

The endless belt |I is continuously driven at a constant speed by way ofV a pulley and an electric motor (not shown). It comprises an upper container feeding reach 25 and this rests upon, and extends lengthwise of, the platform |I at the top of the supporting structure Ill. The right hand end of the belt reach 25, as viewed in Figures 1, 3 and 4, constitutes the receiving end and is adapted to receive the containers in series form. The left hand end of the belt reach 25 serves as the discharge end and passes around a freely rotatable pulley 26 at the upper left corner of the supporting structure I0. From the pulley 26 the belt II extends diagonally downwards and inwards, then passes around an idler pulley 21, then passes forwards and upwards, then passes around a take-up pulley 21a, then extends horizontally from the take-up pulley, and then passes around other pulleys (not shown). The lower horizontal portion of the belt, that is, the portion extending from the take-up pulley 21a, constitutes the return reach of the belt. The containers, after being filled by the nozzles I2 and |3, are discharged from the belt reach 25 as the latter passes around the pulley 26. Such pulley and the pulleys I1 and 21l are suitably supported by the supporting structure III, as shown -in Figure 1.

The nozzles I2 and I3 overhang the reach 29 of the belt Ii and are carried at the ends of a horizontally extending member 28 which is positioned above and behind the belt and extends ln parallel relation with the platform I6. The nozzle carrying member 28 is supported by way of a vertically extending member 29 which is suitably mounted on the supporting structure I0. The upper end of the member 29 is connected to the central portion of the horizontally extending member 28 and the lower end of said member 29 projects beneath the upper reach of the belt and has a fiat horizontal bottom face 3D. A duct 3| is formed in the members 29 and 28 and this duct leads from the face 30 to the nozzle I2. A second duct 32 is formed in said members 29 and 28 and this duct leads from the flat face 39 at the lower end of the member 29 to the nozzle I3. A vertically extending passage 33 is formed in the member 29. The upper end of this passage is connected by a pipe 34 to receive the liquid material under pressure from any suitable source. The lower end of the passage 33 leads to and through the fiat face 30 and is disposed between the lower ends of the ducts 3| and 32. The nozzle `|2 overlies the receiving end of the upper reach of the belt II and the nozzle I3 is located three carton lengths to the left of the nozzle I2, as viewed and shown in Figures 1, 3

and 4.

The device I4 comprises a cylinder 35 and a. floating piston 36. The cylinder 35 is supported on the supporting structure I0 beneath the vertically extending member 29. It is disposed in a horizontal position and comprises a substantially cylindrical side wall 31 and a pair of fixed circular heads 38 and 39. The head 38 is bolted or otherwise fixedly secured to the right hand end of the cylindrical side wall 31, as viewed in Figures 6 and 8, and the head 39 is suitably attached to the left hand end of the cylinder side wall 31 and serves as a closure therefor. In addition to the side wall and fixed heads the cylinder 35 comprises a false head and this is slidably mounted in the en d of the cylinder to which the head 38 is applied. By sliding the false head 40 to and from the head 38 the volume of the space between the false head and the head 39 may be varied and the amounts of the charges of material thus regulated. Sliding movement of the false head 40 to and from the head 38 is' effected by means of a screw 4| which extends through a threaded hole in the central portion of the head 38. The upper portion of the side wall 31 of the cylinder 35 is provided with a flat horizontal face 42 and embodies a pair of ports 43 and 44. The port 43 is so arranged that one end thereof leads to and through the face 42 and its other end communicates with the interior of the cylinder at a point slightly inwards of the fixed head 38 (see Figure 6.). The other port is so arranged that one end thereof leads to and through the face 42 and its other end communicates with the interior of the cylinder at a point directly adjacent the fixed head 39. The false head 40 is provided in the upper portion thereof with an angular notch 45 and this serves to' maintain at all times communication of the port 43 with the cylinder interior, regardless of the position of the false head. The floating piston 36 is slidably mounted in the side wall 31 of the cylinder 35 and is adapted, as hereinafter described, to slide back and forth in the cylinder between the fixed y head 39 and the false l head 4I. When the floating piston slides to the left. as viewed invFigure l, the liquid material between it and the fixed head 33 is caused to flow through the port 44 and the duct 32 to and through the nozzle I3. Reverse sliding movement on the part of the piston results in the liquidfrnaterial between it and the false head 40 being forced through the port 43 and the duct 3i to and through the nozzle I2. The valve mechanism I5 is interposed between the at face 30 at the lower end of the member 29 and the fiat face 42 on the upper portion of l! establishes the side wall 31 of the cylinder 35. It serves as an automatic controlling medium whereby the charges of the liquid material under pressure are caused alternately to now through the nozzles i2 and I3. As its main or principal parts the mechanism I 5 comprises a housing 46 and a spool type valve 41. The housing has a latupper face in engagement with the flat face 30 at the lower end of the member 29 and a ilat lower face in engagement with the iiat face 42 on the upper portion of the cylinder side wall 31. In addition. the housing has a horizontal bore 48 in parallel relation with the cylinder 35, three laterally spaced upper ports 49, 50 and 5I and twolaterally spaced lower ports52 and 53. The upper ports lead from, and communicate with. the upper portion of the bore 48 and the lower ports are in communication with, and lead from, the lower portion of the bore. The port 49 registers with the lower end of the duct 3i the port 5l) registers and communicates with the lower end of the passage 33, and the port 5| is in registry with the lower end of the duct 32. As shown in Figure 6, the port 5U is disposed midway between the ports 49 and 5I. The lower port 52 registers with the upper end of the port 43 in the upper portion of the cylinder side wall 31 and is located at a point substantially midway between the upper ports 39 and 53. The lower port 53 registers and communicates with the upper end of the cylinder port 43 and is so positioned that it is disposed midway between the upper ports 58 and 5I. The spool type valve 41 of the valve mechanism I3 is slidably mounted in the bore 48 and has in the central portion thereof a pair of annular, laterally spaced grooves 54 and 55. The valve 31 is shiftable back and forth between two positions. When the valve is shifted to the right, as viewed and shown in Figure 6, the groove 54 registers with the ports 49 and 52 and establishes communication therebetween, the groove 55 registers with the ports 50 and 5l and establishes communication therebetween, and the portion of thevalve outwards of the groove 55 closes the port 5I. When the valve is in its right hand position the liquid material under pressure flows through the passage 33, the port 50, the groove 55, the port 53 and the port 44 and thence into the left hand end of the cylinder, that is, the space between the xed head 39 and the floating piston 36. By reason of the fact that the material is under pressure the portion of the material entering such space forces the lioating piston 36 to slide towards the false head 46. As the floating piston moves towards the false head 49 the material between the floating piston and the false head is caused to ow through the port 33, the port 52, the groove 54, the port 49 and the duct 3| to and through the nozzle I2. When the valve 31 is shifted to the left the portion thereof that is outwards of the groove 54 closes the port 49, the groove 54 establishes communication between the ports 59 and 52, and the groove communication between the ports II and 53. While the valve 41 is shifted to the left the liquid material flows through the passage 33. theport 5l, the groove 64. andthe ports 82 and 43 into the right hand end of the cylinder, that is. the space between the false head 40 and the' floating piston 3l. As the material enters such space it forces the floating piston 38 towa `cls the tlxed head 39. As the piston slides or travels to the left in response to inilow of the material between it and the false head the material in the left hand end of the cylinder is forcedl through the ports 44 and 53, the groove 55, the port 5I and the duct 32, and thence to and through the nozzle I3. Duringeach stroke of the piston a measured quantity of the liquid material is forced through one of the nozzles. During shift of the piston to the right a measured quantity of the material is discharged from the nozzle I2 and during reverse shift of the piston, thatis, shift to the left, a measured quantity of the material is discharged from the nozzle I3. The charges from the two nozzles are precisely equal. By adjusting the false head 40 toward the fixed head 38 the amount of each charge will be increased. Adjustment of the false head away from the xed head 38 results in a reduction in the amount or volume of each charge. The spool type valve 41 of the unitary two-position valve mechanism I4 is shifted automatically at the end of each stroke of the floating piston 36 and hence there is a continuous intermittent discharge of the charges of the material from each nozzle.

The mechanism for automatically shifting the spool type valve 41 of the valve mechanism I4 at the end of each stroke of the oating piston in the cylinder 35 comprises a pair of axially aligned push rods 56 and 51, a tie rod 58 between the two push rods, a lever 59, a D-valve 63, and a cylinderpiston device 5I. The push rod 56 is .slidably mounted in a sleeve 62 at the right hand end of the cylinder 35. The inner end of the sleeve extends through and is xedly secured in the false head 4I). The outer end of the sleeve 62 extends loosely through a hole in the fixed head 36 of the cylinder 35 in order that when the false head 40 is adjusted longitudinally of the cylinder the outer end of the sleeve 62 slides relatively to the fixed head 38. The inner end of the push rod 56 projects a small distance inwards of the inner face of the false head 48 with the result that the floating piston 36 abuts against it as it reaches the end of right hand sliding movement and shifts the push rod 56 to the right. The push rod 51 extends longitudinally of the cylinder I I and is slidably mounted in a sleeve 63 which is iixedly mounted in the head 39 and is axially aligned with the sleeve 62 for the push rod 43. The inner end of the push rod 51 projects a small distance inwards of the fixed head 39 of the cylinder 35 and hence when the fioating piston reaches the end of its stroke in connection with left hand sliding movement it abuts against the push rod 51 and shifts the latter to the left, as viewed in Figure 8. The outer end of the push rod 51 projects beyond the outer end of the sleeve 63. The tie rod 58 is located exteriorly of the cylinder 35 and is positioned in parallel relation with the cylinder side wall 31. It serves to connect the two push rods for conjoint sliding movement and is mounted for axial sliding movement in a pair of apertured lugs 64 on the ends of the cylinder side wall 31. The right hand end of the tie rod is connected to the outer end of the push rod 56 by way of an arm 65 and an axially adjustable sleeve 66 on the slide rod. A gear 81 on the outer end of the adjusting screw 4I and a pinion 88 on the sleeve 86 serve to connect the false head 4I) and the push rod 56 for conjoint adjustment while at the same time they permit the push rod 55 to slide to a limited extent relatively to the false head. The left hand end of the tie rod 58 is connected to the outer end of the push rod 51 by way of an arm 59. By reason o the fact that the push rods 58 and 51 are connected together by the. tie rod 58 they are caused conjointly to move to the right when the floating piston 36 reaches the end of right hand sliding movement and they are also caused conjointly to shift to the left when the piston approaches the end of its stroke in connection with sliding to the left.

The lever 59 extends vertically and is disposed outwards of the central portion ofthe tie rod 58. It serves as a medium for controlling the D-valve 80 in response to shift of Ysaid tie rod. The upper end of the lever 59 is pivotally supported by way of a pivot stud and this, as shown in Figure 2, is secured to, and projects laterally from, the central portion of the side wall 31 of the cylinder 35. The central portion of the lever 59 is operatively connected to the central portion of the tie rod 58 by way of a pin 1i. One end of this pin is lixedly connected to a collar on the central portion of the tie rod 58 and the other end of the pin ts within a vertically extending slot in the central portion of the lever 59. When the tie rod 58 is shifted to the right the lever 59 is caused to swing to the right. Reverse shift on the part of the tie rod results in the lever 59 swinging to the left.

The D-valve 60 constitutes a medium for controlling the cylinder-piston device 8l. It is mounted on a bracket 12 on the right hand end of the cylinder side wall 31 and comprises a horizontally elongated housing 13 and a slide valve 14 in the housing. The housing has a chamber 15 for the slide valve 14 and embodies a port 15 in the upper portion thereof and three laterally spaced ports 11, 18 and 19 in its bottom portion. The port 16 leads to the chamber 15 and is connected to a source of air under pressure by way of a. vertically extending pipe 80. The'port 18 is disposed between the ports 11 and 19 and is in the nature of an exhaust port in that it leads to the atmosphere surrounding the D-valve 50. The port 11 communicates with the left hand side of the chamber 15, as Viewed in Figure 9, and the port 19 communicates with the right hand end of the chamber 15. The slide valve 14 is mounted on a horizontally extending slide rod 8| and is adapted to slide or move back and forth in the chamber 15 in response to sliding movement of the slide rod. One end of the slide rod projects through the housing 13 of the D-valve 50 and is connected by a link 82 to the lower end of the lever 59. The bottom portion o f the slide valve 14 engages slidably the bottom wall of the housing 13 and has a downwardly facing cavity 83. When the lever 59 is swung to the right, as viewed in Figure 2, the slide valve 14 is caused to slide to the right, as viewed in Figure 9. When the slide valve 14 is slid to the right the port 11 is uncovered and receives air under pressure from the port 18 via the chamber 15 and the port 19 is covered by the slide valve and is in communication with the exhaust port 18 by way of the cavity 83 in the slide valve. When the slide valve 14 is slid to the left hand end of the chamber 15 in connection with left hand shift of the tie rod 58 the port 19 is exposed and receives air located above the cylinder 35 and in alignment with the right hand end of the housing 48 of the valve mechanism I4, and comprises a horizontal cylinder 84 and a piston 85. The cylinder 84 is supported in axial alignment with the spool type valve `41 of the mechanism I5 by way of a bracket 86. It consists of a cylindrical side wall 81 and a pair of fixed heads 88 at the ends of the side wall. A port 89 communicates with the left hand end of the cylinder interior and this port is connected to the port 19 of the D-valve 68 by way of a pipe 90. A port 9i communicates with the right hand end of the interior of the cylinderv 84 and this port is connected to the port 11 of the housing 'I3 of the D-valve by way of .apipe 92. The piston of the device 5I is mounted to slide back and forth between the ends of the cylinder 84 and has the left hand end thereof connected to the right hand end of the spool type valve 41 of the valve mechanism I5 by way of a horizontally extending rod 93. When the slide valve 14 of the D-valve is shifted to the right, air under pressure flows into the right hand end of the cylinder 84 via the port 11, the pipev 92 and the port 9I and causes the piston 85 to slide to the left hand end of the cylinder 84. Such sliding movement on the part of the piston 85 serves to shift the spool type valve 49 to the left. When the slide valve 14 of the D-valve is shifted to the right, as shown in Figure 9, the left hand end of the cylinder 84 of the cylinderpiston device 6I ls vented by way of the port 89, the pipe 90, the port 19, the cavity 83 and the exhaust port 18. When the slide valve 14 of the D-valve is shifted to the left as the result of the floating piston 36 being shifted against the push rod 51 air under pressure is admitted into the left hand end of the cylinder 84 by way of the chamber 15 in the D-valve housing 13, the port 19, the pipe 90 and the port 89. When the sliding valve 14 is shifted to the left the right hand end of the cylinder 84 is vented by way of the port 9|, the pipe 92, the port 11, the cavity 83 and the exhaust port 18.

The operation of the cylinder-floating piston device I4. the valve mechanism I5, and the mechanism for automatically shifting the valve mechanism at the end of each stroke of the floating piston is as follows:

When the spool type valve 41 is shifted to the right the liquid material under pressure flows through the passage 33, the port 58, the groove 55, and the ports 53 and 44 into the left hand end of the cylinder 35. As the material enters the left hand end of the cylinder it forces the floating piston 35 to slide to the right. Such sliding movement on the part of the oating piston results in the material between it and the false head 48 being forced through the ports 43 and 52, the groove 54, the port 49. and the duct 3l to the nozzle I2, as hereinbefore described. When the floating piston 38 reaches the false head 40 it engages the inner end of the push rod 56 and slides the push rod to the right. This results in the tie rod 58 being shifted to the right and causes the tie rod to swing the lever 59 to the right. Such swinging on the part of the lever causes the slide valve 14 of the D-valve 88 to slide to the right, as viewed in Figure 9. As soon as the slide valve is shifted to the right air under pressure flows through the `port 11 from the chamber 15, and thence passes through the pipe 92 to the port 9| and into the right hand end of the cylinder 84 of the cylinder-piston device 6I. As soon as air under pressure enters the right hand end of the cylinder 84 it slides the piston 85 to the left and causes the spool type valve 41 of the mechanism I4 to slide to the left. As soon as the spool type valve 41 is slid to the leftl it closes the port 49 and establishes communication between the ports 50 and 52, and also establishes communication between the ports '5I and 53. When the ports50 and 52 are in communication with one another the liquid material under pressure flows into the right hand end of the cylinder 35 via the port '43 and causes the floating piston 36 to slide to the left, that is, towards the fixed head 39. During travel of the iioating piston 36 to the left the material between it and the fixed head 39 flows through the ports 44 and 53, the groove 55, the port 5I and the duct 32 to and through the nozzle I3. As soon as the floating piston 36 approaches the fixed head 39 it comes in contact with the inner end of the push rod 51 and causes such push rod, together with the tie rod 53 and the push rod 56, to slide to the left. Such sliding movement results in the lever 59 swinging to the left and causing the slide valve 14 of the D-valve 60 to slide tothe left hand end of the chamber in the housing 13. When the slide valve 14 is shifted to the left hand end of the chamber 15 air under pressure flows from the chamber 15 through the port l9,'the pipe 9D, and the port 89 into the left hand end of the cylinder 04. As the air flows into the left hand end of the cylinder 84 it forces the piston B5 to the right and this in turn causes the spool type valve 41 of the valve mechanism I5 to slide to the right. Thereafter the same cycle of controlled movements or operations takes place.

The means for controlling feed of the con-' tainers by the endless belt so that there is an empty container under each nozzle in connection with discharge therefrom of a measured charge of liquid material, comprises a pair of levers 95 and 96. As hereinafter described. these levers coact in such manner that every other container is arrested or brought to rest under the nozzle I2 and the alternate containers on the reach of the belt Il are arrested or brought to rest sure to fiow through the under the nozzle I3. The lever 95 extends hori-gv zontally and is positioned in front of the nozzle I2 and between the front rail 2| and the front margin of the platform I6. It extends lengthwise of the platform and embodies at its right hand end, as viewed in Figures 1, 3` and 4, a. depending pivot or fulcrum pin 91. The upper end of this pin is fixed within a socket. in a hub 98 at the right hand end of the lever 95 and the central portion of the pin is journalled in a bearing 99 on the flange I1 along the front margin of the platform I6. The pivot pin and bearing permit the lever 95 to swing to and from the nozzle I2, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The distal or left hand end of the lever 95 embodies an inwardly or rearwardly extending stop finger |00 and this fitsjwithin a cutout IDI in the front rail 2| and is located substantially half a containers length to the left of the nozzle I2. When the lever 95 is swung inwards, that is, in a clockwise directionas viewed in Figures 3 and 4, the stop finger |00 moves inwardsinto overlying relacentral portion of the lever 96.

10 tion with the container feeding reach 25 of the belt and serves to arrest the next container together with the following containers (see Figure 4). When the lever 95 is swung outwards, that is, in a counter-clockwise direction, the stop finger |00 moves into an inoperative position and releases the arrested container beneath the'nozzle I2 and permits such container and the following containers to be carried by the belt reach 25 toward the nozzle I3. As hereinafter described, the lever 95 is swung inwards for container arresting purposes conjointly with shift of the spool type valve 41 of the valve mechanism I5 to the right wherein it establishes communication between the cylinder port 43 and the duct 3| and permits a charge of liquid material under presnozzle I2. Thus, an empty container on the belt reach 25 is arrested under the nozzle I2 directly prior to discharge of a measured quantity of liquid material therefrom and filling of the container under the nozzle I2 takes place. As hereinafter described, the lever 95 is swung outwards, that is, in a counterclockwise direction, conjointly with shift of the spool type valve 41 to the left, thus releasing the filled container for further travel on the belt reach 25 as soon as flow of the liquid material from the nozzle I2 ceases. The lever 96 is located to the left of the nozzle I3. It is positioned midway between the front rail 2| along the front margin of the platform I6. It extends lengthwise of the platform and embodies at the central portion thereof a depending pivot or fulcrum pin I 02. The upper end of this pin is fixed within a socket in a hub I 03 at the midpoint of the The central portion of the pin |02 is journalled in a bearing |04 on the depending flange I1 along the front margin of the platform I6. The right hand end of the lever 96, as Viewed in Figures 3 and 4, is provided with an inwardly or rearwardly extending stop finger |05 and this is positioned a half containers length to the left of the nozzle I3 and fits within a cutout |06 in the front rail 2|. The left hand end of the lever 96, as viewed in Figures 3 and 4, is provided with an inwardly or rearwardly extending stop finger Il and this is positioned two container lengths from the stop finger I 05 and fits within a cutout I 08 in said front rail 2|. When the lever 96 is swung in a,A counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Figures 3 and 4, the stop finger |05 moves inwards into a position wherein it serves to arrest the preceding container on the belt reach 25 and the stop finger |01 swings or moves outwards into an inoperative position wherein the containers on the belt reach between it and the stop finger |05 are released for further travel with said belt reach 25 (see Figure 3). When the lever 96 is swung in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figures 3 and 4, the stop finger |01 is moved into a container arresting position and the stop finger |05 is moved into a container releasing position (see Figure 4). As hereinafter described, the lever 9| is caused to swing in a clockwise direction conjointly with the lever and simultaneously with shift of the spool type valve 41 to the right and is caused to swing in a counterclockwise direction conjointly with the lever 95 when the spool type valve 41 of the valve mechanism I5 is shifted to the left to effect discharge of a measured charge of liquid material from the nozzle I3. The levers 95 and 96 are connected for conjoint clockwise and counterclockwise swinging movement by way of a tie rod |09 and a pair of arms IIII and III.

11 The tie rod underlies, and is disposed in parallel relation with, the rear margin of the platform I6. The arm H is associated with the right hand end of the tie rod and one end thereof is keyed or otherwise xedly secured to the lower end of the pivot pin 98 and its other end is pivotally connected to said right hand end of the tie rod. The arm IH is associated with the left hand end of the tie rod. One end of this arm is fixed to the lower end of the pivot pin |02 and the other end is pivotally connected to said left hand end of the tie rod |09. When the tie rod is shifted to the right, as viewed in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the arms H0 and operate conjointly to swing the levers 95 and 96 in a clockwise direction. Left hand shift of the tie rod |09 results in conjoint counterclockwise swinging of the levers 95 and 96. A connection in the form of an arm H2, a rock shaft H3 and an arm H4 serves to connect the tie rod to the spool type valve 41 of the valve mechanism I so that it is shifted to the right in response to right hand shift of the spool type valve 41, as viewed in Figure 6, and is shifted to the left in connection with left hand shift of the spool type valve 41. The rock shaft ||9 extends vertically and has the upper end thereof journalled in a bearing H5 on the depending flange I1 of the platform I6. The lower end of the rock shaft is journalled in a pair of vertically placed bearings ||6 on the housing 46 of the valve mechanism |5. One end of the arm |I2 is pivotally connected to the left hand end of the spool type 'valve 41 and the other end of said arm H2 is disposed between the bearings H6 and is fixed to the lower end of the rock shaft I I3. The arm H4 is located beneath the bearing H5. One end of the arm H4 is fixed to the upper end of the rock shaft H3 and the other end of such arm H4 is pivotally connected to the central portion of the tie rod |09. When the spool type valve 41 is shifted to the right preliminary to discharge of a measured charge of liquid material from the nozzle I2 the tie rod |09, due to its connection with said spool type valve 41, is shifted to the right, as viewed in Figures 1, 3 and 4, and causes the levers 95 and 96 to swing in a clockwise direction. When the spool type valve 41 of the valve mechanism I5 is shifted to the left preliminary to discharge of a measured charge of liuuid material from the nozzle I3 the tie rod |09 is shifted to the left and operates, through the medium of the arms H0 and III, conjointly to swing the levers 95 and 96 in a counterclockwise direction. Figure 3 of the drawing shows the tie rod shifted to the left in response to left hand shift of the spool type valve 41 and Figure 4 shows the tie rod shifted to the right as the result of right hand shift of said spool type valve 41. For convenience in understanding the operation of the levers 95 and 96, five containers are shown on the belt reach and these, reading from left to right in Figure 3, are designated by the reference letters c1, c2, c3, c4 and c5. The container r1 is shown as being directly under, and being filled by, the nozzle I3. It is also shown as being arrested by the stop finger |05 as the result of the lever 96 being swung in a counterclockwise direction. The container c2 is illustrated as having been filled by the nozzle I2 and next follows the arrested container c1. It is held in aV stationary position by the container cl although the belt II is constantly driven. The container c3 follows the container c2 and is an empty container. It abuts against the container c2 and is stationary as the result of the container cl being arrested by the stop finger |05. The container c* is an empty container underlying the nozzle I2. It is stationary as the result of the container cI being arrested although it is not arrested by the stop finger |00 because of the lever being swung counterclockwlse. The container c5 is empty and follows the container c. When the containers are positioned as shown in Figure 3 the spool type valve 41, as previously pointed out, is in' its left hand position and a measured charge of liquid material is discharged through the nozzle I3 into the subjacent container c1. As soon as a measured charge of liquid material is discharged from the nozzle I3 into the subjacent container cl the spool type valve 41 is shifted to the right, as viewed in Figure 6 and hereinbefore described. Conjointly with shift of the spool type valve 41 to the right the tie rod |09 is shifted to the right and results in clockwise swinging of the levers 95 and 96. Clockwise swinging of the lever 95 brings the stop finger |00 into the position shown in Figure 4 wherein it arrests the container c4 and holds the same under the nozzle I2 and in a position to receive a measured charge of liquid material from such nozzle. Because of arresting cf the container c4 under the nozzle l2 during filling thereof the following container c5 is also arrested. As soon as the lever 96 swings in a clockwise direction conjointly with the lever 95 the stop finger |05 swings out of arresting relation with the filled container c1 and the finger |01 swings.into its container arresting position.

.As soon as the stop finger |05 swings away from the container c1 the containers c1, c2 and c3 are advanced two container lengths by the belt reach 25, that is, such containers are advanced until the container c1 strikes against the stop finger |01. When the filled container c1 is arrested by the stop finger |01 the empty container c3 is positioned under the nozzle I3 in readiness to reI ceive a measured charge of liquid material therefrom. The containers c1, cz and c3 remain in the position shown in Figure 4 during filling of the container c* by the nozzle I2. As soon as a measured charge of liquid material is discharged from the nozzle |2 into the subjacent container c4 the spool type valve 41 is shifted to the left and causes the tie rod |09 again to shift to the left and swing the levers 95 and 96-in a counterclockwise direction. Counterclockwise swinging of the lever 96 results in the stop finger |05 arresting the empty container c3 under the nozzle I3 for filling thereby and also results in the stop finger |01 releasing the filled containers c1 and c2 so that they travel to the discharge end of the belt reach 25. Counterclockwise swinging of the lever 95 in connection with left hand shift of the tie rod |09 releases the filled container c* so that it, together with the empty container cs and the next following empty container, moves along the platform until they are arrested by the container c3, that is, the container that is now being filled by the nozzle I3. As the result of the action of the levers 95 and 96 every other container is brought to rest under the nozzle I3 for filling purposes and the alternate containers are brought to rest under the nozzle I2 for filling purposes. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the rear rail 22 is provided with a wedge shaped cutout H1 in alignment with the cutout |0| in the front rail 2|, and a second wedge shaped cutout H0. The latter cutout is aligned with the front rail cutout |06 for accommodating the stop finger |05. Referring to Figure 3, the cutout ||1 serves to receive the empty container cs when the latter is `laterally deflected momentarily as the result of the stop nger |00 swinging inwards into arresting relation with the unlled or empty container c". Referring to Figure 4, the cutout H8 serves to receive the filled container c2 when it is laterally deflected momentarily ln connection with inward swinging of the stop linger resting relation with the empty container c3. When the containers are arrested lingers the belt reach 25 slides under them. When the containers are released they move with the belt reach 25 because of frictional engagement therewith.

The herein-described combined measuring and lling machine is essentially simple in construction and is wholly automatic. It is both eilicient and positive in operation and effectively accomplishes its intended purpose or function.

Whereas the machine has been described as being primarily for use in lllng containers with measured charges of liquid lard or vegetable oil shortening it is to be understood that it may be used in connection with the dispensing of other liquids or so-called semi-liquids.

This application ls a continuation of our copending application Serial No. 471,860, filed January 9, 1943, for Combined measuring and filling machine, which has become abandoned.

It is understood that the invention is not to be restricted to the details set forth since these may be modified within the scope of the appended claims Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. A machine of the character described com prising in combination a pair of laterally spaced nozzles, means for delivering measured charges of liquid material alternately to the nozzles for discharge therefrom, including a two-position spool valve, a belt type conveyor adapted to have a single line series of containers to be illled mounted longitudinally and loosely thereon, having means associated therewith for driving it constantly during operation of the machine and adapted when driven to feed the containers successivelv past the two nozzles, automatic means operative successively to cause every other container on the conveyor to be arrested adjacent one only of the nozzles during discharge of a measured charge of liquid material therefrom. and including a member disposed adjacent the conveyor and said one nozzle provided with a container engaging stop nger, mounted to move into and out of an operative position wherein its finger is disposed for containerarresting purposes and connected to the valve so as to be shifted in response to shift of said valve, and automatic means operative successively to cause each alternate container on the conveyor to be arrested adjacent only the other nozzle during discharge of a measured charge of liquid material therefrom, including a member disposed adjacent said conveyor and said other nozzle, provided with a container engaging finger, mounted to, move into and out of an operative position wherein its nger is disposed for container arresting purposes, connected to the valve so as to be shifted in response to shift of said valve. and arranged and controlled so that it is shifted or moved into its operative position in alternate relation with the first mentioned member.

2. A machine comprising a continuous conveyor adapted to have a single line series of containers carried longitudinally and loosely thereon, means for driving said conveyor. a pair by the stopl ammo of nozzles spaced from each other by three container lengths, means for delivering measured charges of material alternately to the nozzles for discharge therefrom, including a valve, automatic means operative successively to cause every other container on the conveyor to be arrested adjacent one only of the nozzles during discharge of a measured charge of material therefrom, and including a member disposed adjacent the conveyor and said nozzle provided with a container engaging stop finger, mounted to move into and out of an operative position wherein its finger is disposed for container arresting purposes and connected to said valve so as to be shifted in response to shift of said valve, and automatic means operative successively to cause each alternate container on the conveyor to be arrested adjacent only the other nozzle during discharge of a measured charge of material therefrom, including a member disposed adjacent said conveyor and said other nozzle, provided with a Acontainer engaging finger. mounted to move into and out of an operative position wherein its finger is disposed for container arresting purposes, connected to the valve so as to be shifted in response to shift of said valve, yand arranged and controlled so that it is shifted into its operative position in alternate relation with the rst mentioned member.

3. A machine comprising a continuous conveyor adapted to carry a line series of containers mounted longitudinally and loosely thereon. a pairA of nozzles spaced three container lengths apart, means for delivering measured charges of material alternately to the nozzles for discharge therefrom, including a control valve, means for driving said conveyor constantly during operation of the machine, automatic means operative successively to cause every other container on the conveyor to be arrested adjacent one of the nozzles during discharge of a measured charge of material therefrom and lthen released after lling for movement with the conveyor, and automatic means arranged to cause each alternate container to be arrested adjacent the other nozzle during discharge of a measured charge of liquid therefrom and then released after filling for continued movement with said conveyor.

4. A machine comprising a continuous conveyor adapted to carry a line series of containers mounted longitudinally and loosely thereon, a pair of nozzles spaced three container lengths apart. means for delivering measured charges of material alternately to the nozzles for discharge therefrom, including a control valve, means for driving said conveyor constantly during operation of the machine, automatic means operative successively to cause every other container on the conveyor to be arrested adjacent one of the nozzles during discharge of a measured charge of material therefrom and then released after filling for movement with the conveyor, automatic means arranged to cause each alternate container to be arrested adjacent the other nozzle during discharge of a measured charge of liquid therefrom and then released after filling for continued movement with said conveyor, and connections between said arresting means and said valve for bringing about the discharge of material from a nozzle only when a container is arrested thereunder.

5. In a filling machine, a belt type conveyor adapted to have a single line series of containers to be lled mounted longitudinally and loosely thereon, a pair of nozzles spaced three container lengths apart, means for delivering measured charges of liquid material alternately to the nozzles for discharge therefrom, including a twoposition valve, a movably mounted stop finger,

means for moving the finger into position across I said belt for arresting every other container adjacent one only of the nozzles during discharge oi a measured charge of material therefrom, a movably mounted stop finger adapted to be moved across the conveyor to arrest each alternate container on the conveyor adjacent only the other nozzle during discharge of a measured charge of material therefrom, and means connecting said finger-actuated means and said valve to bring about the discharge of material from a nozzle only when a container is arrested in position there-below.

6. In a filling machine, a belt type conveyor adapted to receive a line of containers to be iille'd mounted longitudinally and loosely thereon; means for driving said conveyor constantly during operation of the machine, a pair of nozzles spaced three container lengths apart, means for delivering measured charges of material alternately to the nozzles for discharge therefrom, including a valve, a movably mounted stop member movable into a position over the conveyor to arrest every other container on the conveyor adjacent one only of the nozzles during discharge of a measured charge of liquid material therefrom, another stop member movably mounted into a position over the conveyor for arresting each alternate container on the conveyor adjacent only the other nozzle during discharge of a measured charge of liquid material therefrom, and

connecting members between said valve and said stop members for actuating said valve for the discharge of material from a nozzle only when a container is arrested there-below.

7. In a illling machine, a belt type conveyor adapted to receive a series of containers in longitudinal arrangement thereon, a pair of nozzles spaced apart three container lengths, means for delivering measured charges of material alternately to the nozzles for discharge therefrom, including a valve, automatic means operative successively to cause every other container on the conveyor to be arrested adjacent one only of the nozzles during discharge of a measured charge of liquid material therefrom, automatic means operative successively to cause each alternate container on lthe conveyor to b e arrested adjacent only the other nozzle during discharge of a measured charge of liquid material therefrom,

,and connecting members between said automatic means and said valve for synchronizing the operation of the valve with the operation of the arresting means.

CARL G. MEYERS.

BERTIE S. HARRINGTON.

REFERENCES CITED UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Harrington Jan. 29, 1929 Number 

